Buying American-made products used to be a tried and true mantra in the construction profession, but now, in an article on the ConExpo-Con/Agg website, Neil Gerrard writes, construction officials are warning contractors that incoming regulations on the source of construction products and materials could lead to further price rises in the sector.
Provisions in the Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA) enacted as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021, focus on maximizing the government’s use of services, products and materials from the U.S.
BABAA requires all iron, steel, manufactured products and construction materials permanently installed on federally assisted infrastructure projects to be produced in the United States.
Heads of federal agencies can make exceptions to the rules by posting a proposed waiver online for 15 days to allow the public to review and submit comments.
The law is currently in effect but from a functional and legal standpoint, the regulations have yet to be finalized.
Major federal agencies like the U.S. Department of Transportation (US DOT) are still deciding on the way the rules will work.